The news of Ye Shijie being impeached spread to Ji'an Prefecture, leaving many candidates who had been disheartened by his reappointment as the chief examiner for the provincial exams now seething with indignation.
"Those two county magistrates are too petty! Just because their counties didn’t have anyone qualify for the provincial exams, must they paint Ye Shijie in such a terrible light?" Zheng Fang fumed in the inn.
After the prefectural exam results were announced, he had visited Ye Shijie, who had even given him study materials. How could such a talent-loving official be accused of favoritism?
Beside him, Ling Ming frowned deeply. "Will this incident have any repercussions for Ye Shijie?"
Song Yu’s expression darkened at the question. Though he often grumbled about Ye Shijie, he knew right from wrong.
That night.
"Liuxi, this matter is somewhat related to me as well. Since I’m still posing as Guo Feng, it’s not appropriate for me to intervene directly on Ye Shijie’s behalf. Send someone to control the rumors outside," Song Yu said, feigning nonchalance.
"Your Highness need not worry about Ye Shijie. Hardly anyone is speaking ill of him."
"It’s not Ye Shijie I’m concerned about. I just don’t want certain petty individuals affecting the mood of my chief examiner," Song Yu retorted, his words belying his true feelings.
Liuxi quickly lowered his head at the prince’s contradictory tone, only to hear him add, "Investigate those two blind magistrates."
If the road is uneven, don’t blame the traveler for stumbling.
If their counties couldn’t produce good scholars, they should’ve worked harder instead of dragging others down.
"Father, scholars value their reputation and integrity above all. Ye Shijie won’t let this slide," Song Shihuan remarked from the room, engrossed in a book but still tossing out a meaningful comment.
The only question was whether those two magistrates could handle Ye Shijie’s retaliation.
......
At this moment, countless eyes were fixed on Ye Shijie, waiting for his response. Yet, he acted as if completely unaware of the situation.
His only action was summoning his fellow examiners to gather outside the yamen, instructing them to wear blue robes.
On that bitterly cold day, the crowd outside the yamen swelled, eager to see if Ye Shijie would offer an explanation.
But instead...
Ye Shijie had gathered everyone to pay respects at the Confucian Temple.
The spectators were sorely disappointed.
"Fellow colleagues, the provincial exams are approaching. Ji'an Prefecture, being the ancestral home of His Majesty, should be the most auspicious place in the Great Qi Empire."
"Today, I invite you all to join me in worshiping at the Confucian Temple."
"May our empire produce an abundance of talented scholars this year."
Outside the temple, Ye Shijie wore a devout expression, only to sigh heavily moments later. "Recently, while reviewing last year’s prefectural exam results, I noticed several counties had no candidates on the list. This is my failing."
His words stunned the crowd. Was Ye Shijie admitting fault?
Just like that—without resistance?
"I failed in my duty as prefect by not urging these counties to prioritize education and nurture talent. I will soon petition the court to accept my punishment."
The sudden twist left everyone speechless.
"Lord Ye, if this is solely your responsibility, then why did the Emperor appoint county magistrates?" one official ventured.
"The imperial exams are fiercely competitive. It’s not uncommon for some counties to have no candidates qualify. You needn’t blame yourself."
As the officials offered their consolations, Ye Shijie looked despondent, shaking his head repeatedly.
"My Lord, if this is about those two magistrates impeaching you, you shouldn’t take it to heart!"
"Impeach me? Who impeached me? For what?"
Ye Shijie’s three rapid questions left everyone dumbfounded.
He truly hadn’t known!
After someone explained, Ye Shijie appeared utterly devastated:
"‘Though shattered, my body remains unbroken; only my integrity must stay untarnished.’"
"If my judgment is being questioned, then have all last year’s exam papers—both passed and failed—posted outside the yamen!"
Seemingly driven to madness by anger, Ye Shijie left no room for protest.
"Let the entire Great Qi judge for themselves whether my grading was fair!"
With that, he stormed off, red-eyed, leaving behind a stunned silence and bewildered officials.
"This... there’s never been a precedent for posting failed exam papers!"
"Lord Ye is beside himself with rage. Still, this may be the only way to clear his name."
Within an hour, the yamen walls were plastered with exam papers. When space ran out, they spilled onto nearby houses’ walls—Ye Shijie had insisted every paper be displayed.
The biggest victims weren’t the magistrates who’d accused him.
They were the candidates whose sloppily written papers were now exposed for all to see.
It was akin to public humiliation.
"Worthless student! Is this how you answered the prefectural exam? Did my teachings vanish into thin air?"
"Wang Gui, you disgrace! Your family sacrificed to educate you, yet you left half the paper blank!"
Similar scenes played out across Ji'an Prefecture, while the mastermind sipped tea leisurely in his residence.
"A petty trick, unworthy of your attention, my lady."
"I’ve never seen this side of Lord Ye before. Stirring the waters to escape blame—a masterstroke," Song Shihuan remarked, sipping her tea. Such adaptability made her wonder how he’d ever been angered to the point of spitting blood by her father.
"You flatter me, my lady. I merely value my reputation."
"Are you truly so confident in your grading?" Song Shihuan pressed.
"The difference is as vast as clouds and mud," Ye Shijie mused, shaking his head. "My eyes are sharp enough to distinguish quality, my lady."
His innocent demeanor made Song Shihuan’s lips twitch. If she guessed right, the candidates’ fury would ultimately be directed at those two magistrates.
Sure enough.
"My lady, I’ve heard those two magistrates no longer dare to leave their homes," Baoxia reported, eyes gleaming. "People are waiting outside their gates with rotten eggs and vegetables, ready to pelt them the moment they step out."
How advantageous it was to be learned—able to crush foes without shedding blood.
Baoxia, who’d had little chance to study, felt a pang of envy.
"Mark my words. Falsely accusing a high-ranking official won’t end with just rotten eggs," Song Shihuan said, smirking. "Baoxia, has anyone questioned Lord Ye’s grading since this began?"
Baoxia shook her head.
"Then," Song Shihuan said slowly, "it was a false accusation."
